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Can Caffiene Cause Depression in Behavior?

Depression is a serious medical condition. People experience depression in many different ways. Some lose interest in things they once enjoyed, some feel useless and in despair, and others feel like a black curtain fell upon them. The link between caffeine and depression is not clear, but some believe there is a real link.

  1. Significance

    • Caffeine is a mild stimulant. It may give a person a lift initially, but when the caffeine wears off, it may have the opposite effect.

    Considerations

    • Caffeine is known to make it hard for some people to sleep. It blocks the brain chemical adenosine which helps the body sleep. Caffeine can disrupt sleep and make it hard to fall asleep. A lack of sleep can lead to depression.

    Effects

    • Caffeine can affect blood sugar, especially in diabetics. Changes in blood sugar levels can lead to mood swings and depression.

    False Energy

    • Caffeine makes the body alert with false energy and adrenaline release. It also releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical, from the brain. When the caffeine wears off, so does the elation.

    Cycle

    • When the lift, energy and feel-good mood subsides, some people turn to more caffeine. This can result in a vicious cycle of ups and down and depression.

    Stimulant

    • Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and causes of host of problems including nervousness, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and depression. Cutting back or cutting out caffeine can help alleviate many health and emotional problems.

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